OBITUARY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19142, 27 October 1927, Page 6

OBITUARY.

MR E. R. CLUNIES-ROSS. [THE PBESS Sp«citl Serriee.] WELLINGTON, October 26. Widely known for his interest in yachting matters in the Dominion, particularly in regard to the Sanders Cup contests, Mr Edwin Boland Clunies-Eoss died at his residence at Day'a Bay on Thursday last, at the age of 58 years. The late Mr Clunies-Ross was born on Cocos (Keeling) Island, in the Southern ludian Ocean, where for three generations his family has been engaged in producing copra. He waß educated at a Scottish public school, and went to sea at an early age, gaining liis first mate's certificate before being obliged to give up his career owing to failing eyesight. He came to Wellington about 1910, and except for a trip to Englaud some years ago, lived here up to the time of his death.

It was on Cocos Island, now owned by the late Mr Clunies-Ross's elder brother, that the German cruiser Emden was driven ashore by the Australian cruiser Sydney in the memorable action of November 9th, 1914. The deceased was a member of both the Eastbourne and Wellington Bowling Clubs, but he. was chiefly known for his interest in the Sanders Cup contests. He had the Eynin built to represent Wellington in the contest at Auckland in 1923,. and when this boat was unsuccessful he purchased the well-known 14footer Peggy, in an attempt to bring the Cup to Wellington. This boat represented Wellington on three occasions after her purchase, but failed, although narrowly, to secure the trophy. Her owner went to considerable expense in these ventures, and last year he showed his sportsmanship by handing the Peggy over to the Plimmerton Boating Club, to be raced in the trials on behalf of that club. It was his intention, it is understood, to build another 14-footer in a further endeavour to win the Sanders Cup. The late Mr Clunies-Ross was also interested in local _ yachting, and waa capable of handling the small boats well. He leaves a widow and two children, twins, aged 19.